Heteroatom substituted metallocene compounds for olefin polymerization catalyst systems and methods for preparing them

ABSTRACT

According to the invention a new catalyst precursor is obtained, in which alkoxy or siloxy substitution in the 2-position of 5-membered ring of indenyl compound has been carried out. Thereby a metallocene compound is achieved, in which an oxygen atom is directly bonded to the 2-position of a pentahapto indenyl moiety. The catalyst precursors can be used as components for olefin polymerization catalysts.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of prior PCT International Application No., PCT/JP97/03908, which has an International filing date of Jan. 30, 1997, which designated the United States of America, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to novel metallocene catalyst systems for homo- and copolymerization of olefins, especially propylene, ethylene and higher alpha-olefins, in the presence of a cocatalyst, such as methylaluminoxane (MAO). Especially the invention relates to metallocenes with heteroatom substituted indenyl and indenyl derivative ligands, a method for their preparation, and their use in polymerization of olefins, especially propylene and ethylene.

Chiral C-₂ symmetric bis(indenyl)ansa-metallocenes are precursors to highly active catalysts for stereoselective polymerization of alpha-olefins. The performance characteristics of these systems are different, the variations being induced by size and position of the substituents. E.g., dimethylsilylene bridged 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaryl substituted bis(indenyl)zirconocenes developed by Brintzinger and co-workers (Organometallics 1994, 13, 964) and Spaleck et al. (Organometallics 1994, 13, 954), produce isotactic polypropylenes with catalyst activities and polymer properties comparable to those obtained with heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts.

The area of electronically altered bis(indenyl)metallocenes has remained relatively unexplored. Previously, it has been reported that halogen or alkoxy substitution in the six-membered rings of indenes reduces the activity of the catalyst system and the molecular weight of the produced polymer (Consiglio et al, Organometallics 1990, 9, 3098; Collins et al., Organometallics 1992, 11, 2115). Bis(indenyl) zirconocenes with 2-amino functionalized ligands have been reported recentily by several groups (Luttikhedde et a/., Organometallics 1996, 15, 3092; Plenio and Burth, J. Organomet Chem. 1996, 519, 269; Brintzinger et al., J. Organomet. Chem. 1996, 520, 63). The bridged complexes show somewhat lower catalytic activities compared with their unsubstituted bis(indenyl)zirconocene analogues.

The present invention concerns novel metallocene complexes (I) with an oxygen atom directly bonded to the 2-position of a pentahapto indenyl moiety, e.g., racemic [ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, and their application in polymerization of olefins. These complexes (I), in combination with MAO or other activators, form highly active catalyst systems for homo- and copolymerization of olefins. E.g., the I/MAO catalyst systems polymerizes propylene to highly isotactic polypropylene. The propylene and ethylene polymerization activities of these (I)/MAO systems exceeds those of several conventional ansa-metallocene/MAO catalyst systems, such as dimethylsilylenebis(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)zirconium dichloride/MAO, under similar polymerization conditions. The novel catalyst systems are very stable and retain their high activities at exceptionally low [A1]:[Zr1] ratios.

According to the invention a new catalyst precursor is obtained, in which a siloxy substitution in the 2-position of 5-membered ring of an indenyl-type compound has been carried out. Thereby it is possible to produce metallocene compounds, in which an oxygen atom is directly bonded to the 2-position of a penta-hapto indenyl moiety.

Thus the catalyst precursor according to the invention concerns an indenyl compound having the formula (I):

(IndY)_(m)MR_(n)B_(o)  (I)

wherein: each IndY is the same or different and is one of a mono- or polysubstituted, fused or non-fused, homo- or heterocyclic indenyl ligand, dihydroindenyl ligand or tetrahydroindenyl ligand, which ligand is substituted at the 2-position of its indenyl structure by the group Y, which group Y has the following structure (II):

wherein D is one of silicon or germanium, R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, or at least two of R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; M is a transition metal of group 4 of the Periodic Table and is bound to the ligand IndY in at least an η₅ bonding mode; each R is the same or different and is one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, a tri-hydrocarbyl silyl group or two R form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands or between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M; m is 1 or 2; o is 0 or 1; and n is 4−m when there is no bridge B or B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands, or n is 4−m−o when B is a bridge atom or group between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M.

By mono- or polysubstituted is meant that, in addition to said substituent Y, there may optionally be other substituents at the rings at said ligand IndY.

By fused or non-fused is meant that any ring at said ligand IndY may be fused or non-fused, i.e. have at least two atoms in common, with at least one further ring.

By homo- and heterocyclic is meant that any ring of said ligand IndY may have only carbon ring atoms (homo- or isocyclic) or may have other ring atoms than carbon (heterocyclic).

Preturately the indenyl compound according to formula (I) has the following formula (III)

where

M is a metal selected from zirconium, titanium or hafnium,

D is an element selected from silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge),

B is abridge comprising at least one of —(CH₂)_(n)—, —Si(R₃)₂— or —Ge(R₃)₂—,

R¹ and R² are the same or different groups selected from a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy group, C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy group, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl group, C₂-C₁₀ arylalkyl group, C₂-C₁₀ alkylaryl group, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl group or a halogen atom, preferably a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group and/or a halogen atom.

R^(3′), R³-R⁶ are same or different groups selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy group, C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy group, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl group, C₂-C₁₀ arylalkyl group, C₂-C₁₀ alkylaryl group, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl group and a halogen atom. R³ and R^(3′) groups can also be connected to each other to form a ring structure and R₄ may also be part of a ring structure.

Preferably M₁ is zirconium.

R¹ and R² are preferably the same and most preferably they are halogen atoms, for example chlorine atoms.

R³ is preferably C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or aryl group and most preferably it is methyl group. R⁴ is likewise preferably C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or aryl group, for example tert-butyl group, t-hexyl group or cyclohexyl group.

Most preferably D is Si, B is —CH₂CH₂—, R¹=R² and is chlorine, R³ is CH₃ and R⁵-R⁶ is aromatic or fused aromatic or alkyl or hydrogen.

The invention also relates to 2-trihydrocarbyl and 2-trihydrokarbyloxy siloxyindene and germyloxyindene compounds having the general formula:

wherein: D is one of silicon and germanium; R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, or at least two of R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; R⁷ is a four-atom chain forming an unsubstituted or substituted, further non-fused or further fused, homocyclic (=isocyclic) or heterocyclic, unsaturated or saturated, aliphatic or aromatic six-membered ring; and R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, a tri-C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl silyl group or a tri-C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy silyl group, or one of R⁸ and R⁹ may be a bridge atom or group B to a cyclopentadienyl, fluorenyl or indenyl group. Preferably, they have the formula:

wherein: R^(3′), R³-R⁶ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, a C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇-C₂₂ arylalkyl group, a C₇-C₂₂ alkylaryl group, a C₈-C₂₃ arylalkenyl group or a halogen atom, or at least two of R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ form together a C₂-C₁₀ ring structure, and R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same as above, alternatively, or the formula:

wherein: R³, R^(3′), R⁴-R⁶, R⁸, R¹⁰ and D are the same as above; and B is a bridge of at least one of the groups —(CH₂)_(n)—, —SiR³ ₂—, or —GeR³ ₂—, wherein n is 1-8 and R³ is the same as above. D is preferably Si.

The catalyst compounds according to the invention can be prepared from 2-indanone. This compound can be reacted in a suitable solvent with a base and a chlorosilane to form 2-siloxyindene with a yield of over 80%. Suitable solvents are for example dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofurane (THF). Suitable bases are for example imidazole, triethylamine (TEA) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. Suitable chlorosilanes are for example tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane, t-hexyldimethylchlorosilane and cyclohexyldimethylchlorosilane. The reaction takes place according to the following reaction scheme (VII):

According to one embodiment of the invention 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene is reacted first with butyllithium and then with dimethyl dichlorosilane (Me₂SiCl₂) to form dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)silane. Butyllithium can be replaced with methyllithium, sodium hydride or potassium hydride. Likewise dimethyl dichlorosilane can be replaced with any dialkyl or diarylsilane. Silicon can be replaced with germanium.

Dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)silane can be reacted with butyllithium, which gives the corresponding bislithium salt. This product can be reacted with zirconium tetrachloride to yield [dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride as a mixture of the racemic and meso diastereomers. Butyllithium may be replaced as described earlier. Zirconium tetrachloride can be replaced with titanium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride to give the corresponding titanium and hafnium complexes. The reactions take place according to the following reaction schemes (VIII and IX):

According to another embodiment of the invention 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene is reacted first with butyllithium and then with dibromoethane to form bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane. This compound can be reacted with two equivalents of butyllithium, which gives the corresponding bislithium salt. This can then be reacted with zirconium tetrachloride to yield [ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride. The racemic diastereomer of the latter is formed in great excess and is easily separated from the meso isomer by fractional crystallization. Catalytic hydrogenation of racemic [ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride yields the corresponding tetrahydroindenyl complex. The reactions take place according to the following reaction scheme (X):

In the reactions above butyllithium may be replaced as described earlier. Zirconium tetrachloride can be replaced with titanium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride to give the corresponding titanium and hafnium complexes.

According to still another embodiment of the invention 2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indene is reacted first with butyllithium and then with dibromoethane to form bis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane. This compound can be reacted with two equivalents of butyllithium which gives the corresponding bislithium salt. This can then be reacted with with zirconium tetrachloride to yield [ethylenebis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride. The racemic diastereomer of the latter is formed in great excess and is easily separated from the meso isomer by fractional crystallization. The reactions take place according to the following reaction scheme (XI):

In the reactions above butyllithium may be replaced as described earlier. Zirconium tetrachloride can be replaced with titanium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride to give the corresponding titanium and hafnium complexes. Hydrogenation of [ethylenebis(2-(thexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride yields the corresponding tetrahydroindenyl complex.

Illustrative but non-limiting examples of the compounds according to the invention are, among others, 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene, 2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indene, 2-(cyclohexyldimethyl-siloxy)indene, 2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indene, dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene), diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyl-dimethylsiloxy)indene), dimethylsilylbis(2-(thexyldimethylsiloxy)indene), diphenylsilylbis(2-(thexyldimethylsiloxy)indene), dimethylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indene), diphenylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indene), dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indene), diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indene), racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(thexyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(t-hexyldimethyl-siloxy)-4,5,6,7tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[dimethylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[diphenylsilylbis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]-zirconium dichloride, bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane, bis(2-(thexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane, bis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane, bis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane, [rac-ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[ethylenebis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[ethylenebis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride, [racethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[ethylenebis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, racemic and meso[ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)]zirconium dichloride, bis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane and [rac-ethylenebis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride. Titanium or hafnium can be used instead of zirconium in corresponding complexes.

The metallocene compounds according to the invention can be used as catalyst components for polymerization or copolymerization of olefins. The olefins can be chosen from ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene and octene or mixtures thereof. Particularly the olefins can be selected from ethylene and propylene and mixtures thereof or together with other α-olefins.

The catalysts can be either unsupported or supported. The supported catalysts are mainly used for slurry and gas phase processes. The support can be any support known for metallocene and other type catalysts. Preferable supports are silica and alumina.

The compounds according to the invention can be used in combination with activator compounds, which are organometal compounds or any other compounds used in combination with metallocene compounds. Suitable cocatalysts are, for example, alkylalumininum compounds, aluminoxanes, methylaluminoxane, or modified methylaluminoxane. Preferred cocatalyst is methylaluminoxane (MAO). Other cocatalysts which may be used include Lewis or prolic acids, such as (B(C₆F₅)₃ or [PhNMe₂H]¹B(C₆F₅)₄, which generate cationic metallocenes with compatible non-coordinating anions in the presence or absence of alkylaluminum compounds. Especially suitable activators are, for example, alumoxane compounds having the formula of R—(Al(R)—O)_(m)—AlR₂ where n is 1-40, m is 3-40 and R is C₁-C₈ alkyl group. Preferably R is methyl group and the preferable activator is methylalumoxane (MAO). The activator can be applied according to the methods known in the art.

Experimental

All operations were carried out in argon or nitrogen atmosphere using standard Schlenk, vacuum or glove box techniques. Solvents used were dried and distilled under argon prior to use. The ¹H- and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂ solution using JEOL JNM-LA400 or Jeol JNM-A500 NMR spectro-meter and referenced against tetramethylsilane (TMS) or the residual protons of the deuterated solvents. Direct electron ionization mass spectra (EIMS) were obtained on a Varian VG-7070E or a Varian-8000 mass spectrometer.

Catalyst Preparation EXAMPLE 1

2-(tert-butldimethylsiloxy)indene

A solution of tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (248.69 g, 1.65 mol) and imidazole (112.33 g, 1.65 mol) in DMF (900 mL) was reacted with 2-indanone (198.24 g, 1.50 mol) and then stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was treated with water (800 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×400 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (2×400 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure to leave an orange oil. Distillation under reduced pressure gave 331.2 g (89.6%) of the title compound as a yellow oil (bp 105-107° C./0.1 mbar). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.19-7.07 (m, 3H); 6.97 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ⁴J=1.4 Hz, 1H); 5.72 (dd, ⁴J=1.9 Hz, 1.1 Hz, 1H); 3.24 (dd, ⁴J=1.7 Hz, 1.1 Hz, 2H); 0.96 (s, 9H); 0.23 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 162.44; 145.14; 136.53; 126.44; 123.01; 122.39; 118.92; 106.58; 39.46; 25.59; 18.14; −4.68.

EXAMPLE 2

2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indene

A solution of thexyldimethylchlorosilane (100.0 g, 559.3 mmol) and imidazole (38.08 g, 559.3 mmol) in DMF (350 mL) was reacted with 2-indanone (67.40 g, 510.0 mmol) and then stirred for two days at room temperature. The reaction mixture was treated with water (300 mL). and extracted with Et₂O (3×200 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (2×200 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents left a red oil. Distillation under reduced pressure gave 116.89 g (83.5%) of the title compound as a yellow oil (bp. 128-130° C./0.4 mbar). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.24-7.10 (m, 3H); 7.00 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ⁴J=1.3 Hz, 1H); 5.74 (d, ⁴J=0.6 Hz, 1H); 3.28 (s, 2H); 1.70 (sept, ³J=6.8 Hz, 1H); 0.93 (s, 6H); 0.92 (d, ³J=6.8 Hz, 6H); 0.29 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 162.82; 145.71; 137.03; 126.86; 123.45; 122.73; 119.29; 106.92; 40.00; 34.49; 25.51; 20.51; 18.89; −2.26.

EXAMPLE 3

2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indene

A solution of cyclohexyldimethylchlorosilane (84.62 g, 478.7 mmol) and imidazole (32.59 g, 478.7 mmol) in DMF (300 mL) was reacted with 2-indanone (57.62 g, 436.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, treated with water (300 mL) and extracted with Et₂O (3×200 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (3×300 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvents were removed to leave an orange oil. Distillation under reduced pressure gave 81.67 g (68.8%) of the title compound as a yellow oil (bp. 140-142° C./0.2 mbar). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.25-7.11 (m, 3H); 7.01 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ₄J=1.4 Hz, 1H); 5.76 (d, ⁴J=0.7 Hz, 1H); 3.29 (s, 2H) 1.77-1.74 (m, 5H); 1.27-1.13 (m, 5H); 0.90 (m, 1H); 0.24 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 162.44; 145.24; 136.60; 126.47; 123.07; 122.37; 118.91; 106.32; 39.52; 27.69; 26.77; 26.46; 26.33; −3.55.

EXAMPLE 4

2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indene

To a solution of tert-butyldiphenylchlorosilane (42.43 g, 154.4 mmol) and DBU (25.64 g, 168.4 mmol) in benzene (200 mL) was added 2-indanone (18.38 g, 139.1 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight, diluted with Et₂O (200 mL), washed with 10% HCl (2×200 mL) and water (2×200 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvents were evaporated to leave a dark brown oil. Distillation under reduced pressure gave 38.22 g (74.1%) of the title compound as a yellow oil (bp. 172-175° C./0.05 mbar). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.77-7.74 (m, 4H); 7.46-7.36 (m, 6H) 7.18-7.16 (m, 1H); 7.11-7.07 (m, 1H); 6.98-6.94 (m, 2H); 5.48 (d, ⁴J=0.7 Hz, 1H); 3.29 (s, 2H); 1.09 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 162.13; 145.17; 136.75; 135.53; 132.43; 130.20; 127.99; 126.51; 123.15; 122.49; 119.24; 107.91; 39.43; 26.60; 19.46.

EXAMPLE 5

2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)bisbenz[e,g]indene

To a suspension of bisbenz[e,g]-2-indanone (35.90 g, 154.5 mmol) and tertbutyldimethylchlorosilane (28.00 g, 185.5 mmol) in benzene (300 mL) was added dropwise DBU (30.60 g, 201.0 mmol) while keeping the reaction mixture cold with an icebath. Stirring was continued for 1 hour at room temperature. The organic phase was washed with water (200 mL), 5% HCl (2×200 mL), water (200 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents left a residue which was washed with MeOH (3×200 mL) to give the title compound (38.35 g, 110.7 mmol, 71.6%) as a slightly pink powder. EIMS (calcd/found): 346.1753/346.1744. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 8.72-8.67 (m, 1H); 8.66-8.62 (m, 1H); 8.02-7.96 (m, 1H); 7.82-7.99 (m, 1H); 7.62-7.57 (m, 2H); 7.56-7.50 (mn, 1H); 7.49-7.44 (m, 1H); 6.32 (m, 1H); 3.73 (m, 2H); 1.03 (s, 9H); 0.33 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 163.16; 139.79; 130.11; 129.41; 128.34; 127.73; 127.21; 126.67; 126.07; 125.53; 124.42; 123.91; 123.38; 123.24; 122.96; 104.55; 39.81; 25.68; 18.29; −4.50.

EXAMPLE 6

2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-4,7-dimethylindene

To a solution of tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (2.85 g, 18.9 mmol) and 4,7-dimethyl-2-indanone (2.53 g, 15.8 mmol, obtained by oxidation of 4,7-dimethylindene) in benzene (30 mL) was added DBU (3.13 g, 20.5 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The mixture was diluted with Et₂O (50 mL), washed with water (2×50 mL), 5% HCl (50 mL) water (2×50 mL) and dried over sodium sulphate. Evaporation of the solvents left a dark oil that was dissolved in pentane (30 mL). The unreacted starting materials were crystallized at −15° C. and removed by filtration. Evaporation of the solvent gave 3.03 g (69.9%) of fairly pure title compound as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 6.94 (dq, ³J=7.7 Hz, ⁴J=0.3 Hz, 1H),; 6.78 (dq, ³J=7.7 Hz, ⁴J=0.3 Hz, 1H); 5.84 (t, ⁴J=1.1 Hz, 1H); 3.20 (m, 2H); 2.30 (s, 3H); 2.25 (s, 3H); 1.00 (s, 9H); 0.27 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 162.08; 143.39; 134.89; 129.45; 127.78; 125.49; 123.84; 105.28; 38.80; 25.65; 18.29; 18.21; −4.57.

EXAMPLE 7

Bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane

To a solution of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene (36.96 g, 150.0 mmol) in THF (150 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (60.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 150.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then cooled to −80° C. and treated dropwise with a solution of dibromoethane (14.09 g, 75.0 mmol) in THF (50 mL). After completed addition the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (300 mL). Solvents from the organic phase were evaporated and the product was dissolved in Et₂O (300 mL), washed with water (2×200 mL) and dried over sodium sulphate. Repeated crystallizations at −15° C. afforded 22.54 g (57.9%) of the title compound as an off-white solid. The first crystalline fraction consisted of diastereomerically pure material (Mp 108-110° C.). EIMS (calcd/found): 518.3036/518.3028. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ, major diastereomer): 7.18-7.07 (m, 6H); 6.97 (td, ³J=7.4 Hz, ⁴J=1.3 Hz, 2H); 5.66 (s, 2H); 3.17 (m, 2H); 1.89-1.84 (m, AA′, 2H); 1.59-1.54 (m, BB′, 2H); 0.94 (s, 18H); 0.23 (s, 6H); 0.21 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ, major diastereomer): 164.96; 144.39; 140.62; 126.50; 122.58; 122.41; 118.74; 104.97; 49.18; 25.67; 24.34; 18.12; −4.68; −4.88. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ, minor diastereomer): 7.17-7.05 (m, 6H); 6.97 (td, ³J=7.4 Hz, ⁴J=1.2 Hz, 2H); 5.63 (s, 2H); 3.21 (m, 2H); 1.76-1.75 (m, 4H); 0.94 (s, 18H); 0.22 (s, 6H); 0.20 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ, minor diastereomer): 165.18; 144.35; 140.68; 126.53; 122.71; 122.35; 118.74; 104.87; 49.04; 25.67; 25.30; 18.14; −4.77.

EXAMPLE 8

Bis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane

To a solution of 2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indene (68.62 g, 250.0 mmol) in THF (250 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (100.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 250.0 mmol), and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then cooled to −80° C. and treated dropwise with a solution of dibromoethane (23.48 g, 125.0 mmol) in THF (100 mL). After completed addition the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (350 mL). Solvents from the organic phase were evaporated, and the product was dissolved in Et₂O (350 mL), washed with water (2×300 mL) and dried over sodium sulphate. Repeated crystallizations at −15° C. afforded 37.48 g (52.2%) of the title compound as off-white crystals. The first crystalline fraction consisted of diastereomerically pure material that was used for spectral characterization. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 574.3662/574.3659. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.22-7.07 (m, 6H); 6.97 (td, ³J=7.4 Hz, ⁴J=1.2 Hz, 2H); 5.65 (s, 2H); 3.15 (m, 2H); 1.91-1.84 (m, AA′, 2H); 1.67 (sept, ³J=6.8 Hz, 2H); 1.57-1.50 (m, BB′, 2H); 0.89 (m, 24H); 0.27 (s, 6H); 0.24 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 164.75; 144.45; 140.58; 126.46; 122.60; 122.33; 118.68; 104.96; 49.24; 33.93; 25.03; 24.32; 20.14; 20.02; 18.51; 18.47; −2.66; −2.95.

EXAMPLE 9

Bis(2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane

To an ice-cooled solution of 2-(cyclohexyldimethylsiloxy)indene (13.62 g, 50.0 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (20.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 50.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then cooled to −80° C. and treated dropwise with a solution of dibromoethane (4.70 g, 25.0 mmol) in THF (30 mL). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature, stirred overnight and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (150 mL). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. Solvents were evaporated and the remaining oil was dissolved in Et₂O (100 mL). Repeated crystallizations gave a total yield 4.03 g (28.2%) of the title compound as off-white crystals. The first crystalline fraction was used for spectral characterization. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 570.3349/570.3342. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.19-7.07 (m, 6H); 6.99 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ⁴J=1.3 Hz, 2H), 5.65 (s, 2H); 3.17 (m, 2H); 1.84-1.79 (m, AA′, 2H); 1.73 (m, 10H); 1.59-1.54 (m, BB′, 2H); 1.20 (m, 10H); 0.84 (m, 2H); 0.22 (s, 6H); 0.22 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 164.98; 144.47; 140.65; 126.51; 122.52; 122.33; 118.72; 104.64; 49.09; 27.72; 26.80; 26.48; 26.37; 24.29; −3.60.

EXAMPLE 10

Bis(2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane

To a solution of 2-(tert-butyldiphenylsiloxy)indene (32.6 g, 88.0 mmol) in THF (200 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (35.5 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 88.8 mmol), and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then cooled to −80° C. and treated dropwise with a solution of dibromoethane (8.26 g, 44.0 mmol) in THF (50 mL). The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature, stirred overnight and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (2×300 mL). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents left a brown oil that was dissolved in boiling Et₂O (300 mL). Cooling to −15° C. gave 13.7 g (40.7%) of the title compound as a diastereomerically pure white microcrystalline powder. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 766.3662/766.3641. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.78-7.75 (m, 4H); 7.71-7.68 (m, 4H); 7.48-7.33 (m, 12H); 7.22-7.20 (m, 2H); 7.09-7.05 (m, 2H); 6.93-6.88 (m, 4H); 5.28 (s, 2H); 3.36 (m, 2H); 2.21-2.15 (m, AA′, 2H); 1.85-1.79 (m, BB′, 2H); 1.06 (s, 18H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 164.06; 144.19; 140.54; 135.45; 132.28; 131.91; 130.06; 129.99; 127.84; 127.79; 126.45; 122.65; 122.54; 119.06; 106.81; 49.25; 26.61; 25.10; 19.38. The mother liquor was evaporated to dryness and dissolved in boiling pentane (150 mL). Concentration and cooling to −15° C. gave the second crop 1.62 g (4.8%) of the title compound as a brown powder enriched in the minor diastereomer (total yield 45.5%).

EXAMPLE 11

Bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)bisbenz[e,g]indenyl)ethane

To an ice-cooled solution of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)bisbenz[e,g]indene (20.00 g, 63,48 mmol) in THF (80 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (25.4 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 63.50 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvents were removed in vacuo and toluene (200 mL) was added. The resulting solution was cooled to −80° C. and dibromoethane (5.95 g, 31.67 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature, stirred overnight and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (2×100 mL). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration and cooling to −15° C. gave the title compound (900 mg, 1.25 mmol, 3.9%) as an off-white solid. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 718.3662/718.3659. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 8.73-8.69 (m, 2H); 8.66 (dt, ³J=8.2 Hz, ⁴J=0.6 Hz, 2H); 8.02-7.98 (m, 2H); 7.63-7.58 (m, 6H); 7.42 (ddd, ³J=8.2 Hz, ³J=6.9 Hz, ⁴J=1.3 Hz, 2H); 7.34 (ddd, ³J=8.2 Hz, ³J=6.9 Hz, ⁴J=1.2 Hz, 2H); 6.17 (d, ⁴J=0.4 Hz, 2H); 3.57-3.54 (m, 2H); 2.09-2.06 (m, 2H); 1.76-1.73 (m, 2H); 0.72 (s, 18H); 0.11 (s, 6H); 0.03 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ); 166.68; 139.37; 131.67; 130.32; 129.25; 127.93; 127.04; 126.70; 125.91; 125.46; 124.54; 123.61; 123.43; 123.20; 122.97; 102.67; 49.93; 25.48; 23.68; 18.04; −4.82; −5.03.

EXAMPLE 12

Bis(1-(trimethylsilyl)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-3-indenyl)ethane

To a solution of bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane (10.38 g, 20.0 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at −20° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (16.1 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 40.2 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. To the resulting solution was added dropwise chlorotrimethylsilane (6.85 g, 63.0 mmol, 8.0 mL) at 0° C. After completed addition the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and the solvents were evaporated. The remaining orange solid was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ and filtrated through celite. The solvent was evaporated and the product was dissolved in Et₂O (150 mL). Concentration and cooling to 0° C. gave 10.29 g (77.6%) of a 2:1 diastereomeric mixture of the title compound as off-white crystals. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 662.3827/662.3834. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ, major/minor diastereomer): 7.51-7.49 (m, 2H, major); 7.42-7.40 (m, 2H, minor); 7.29-7.24 (m, 4+2H, major/minor); 7.22-7.17 (m, 2H, minor); 7.08-7.02 (m, 2+2H, major/minor); 3.29 (s, 1H, minor); 3.27 (s, 1H, major); 3.00-2.96 (m, AA′, 2H, minor); 2.72-2.65 (m, AA′BB′, 4H, major); 2.44-2.40 (m, BB′, 2H, minor); 1.02 (s, 18H, major); 1.01 (s, 18H, minor); 0.20 (s, 6H, minor); 0.19 (s, 6H, major); 0.10 (s, 6H, minor); 0.05 (s, 6H, major); 0.02 (s, 18H, minor); 0.01 (s, 18H, major). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ, major diastereomer): 158.32; 144.56; 139.24; 125.09; 122.74; 121.98; 119.89; 118.08; 45.08; 26.14; 24.06; 18.52; −2.39; −3.40; −4.66. ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ, minor diastereomer): 158.08; 144.50; 139.14; 124.97; 122.62; 121.95; 119.95; 118.50; 45.13; 26.14; 23.86; 18.47; −2.29; −3.40; −4.24.

EXAMPLE 13

Dimethylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)silane

To a solution of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indene (12.32 g, 50.0 mmol) in Et₂O (50 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (20.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 50.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then added dropwise to a solution of dimethyldichlorosilane (3.03 mL, 25.0 mmol) in Et₂O (25 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (150 mL), water (3×100 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents left a red oil that was dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of MeOH and acetone. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 5.78 g (42.1%) of the title compound as slightly yellow crystals. The first crop consisted exclusively of the racemic diastereomer. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 548.2962/548.2958. Mp: 92-94° C. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.22-7.14 (m, 6H); 6.98 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ⁴J=1.4 Hz, 2H); 5.85 (s, 2H); 3.99 (s, 2H); 0.97 (s, 18H); 0.34 (s, 6H); 0.28 (s, 6H); −0.23 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 164.96; 144.44; 137.55; 125.13; 122.75; 121.41; 118.83; 104.00; 43.06; 25.77; 18.20; 4.34; −4.88; −6.99. The oily residue was washed with copiously with cold MeOH (3×50 mL), cold pentane (50 mL) and dried in vacuo to yield 3.47 g (24.8%) of the fairly pure meso diastereomer as a red oil (total yield 66.9%).

EXAMPLE 14

Dimethylbis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)silane

To a solution of 2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indene (35.58 g, 129.6 mmol) in Et₂O (120 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (52.4 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 130.9 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was then added dropwise to a solution of dimethyldichlorosilane (7.9 mL, 64.8 mmol) in Et₂O (50 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (300 mL), water (2×200 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents left a red oil that was dissolved in a 4:1 mixture of MeOH and acetone. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 11.67 g (29.7%) of the title compound as a white powder. The crystalline first crop consisted exclusively of the racemic diastereomer. EIMS (calcd/found): m/e 604.3588/604.3585. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.22-7.13 (m, 6H); 6.98 (td, ³J=7.3 Hz, ⁴J=1.4 Hz, 2H); 5.85 (s, 2H); 3.99 (s, 2H); 1.72 (sept, ³J=6.9 Hz, 2H); 0.94 (s, 6H); 0.94 (s, 6H); 0.90 (d, ³J=6.9 Hz, 6H); 0.89 (d, ³J=6.9 Hz, 6H); 0.38 (s, 6H); 0.34 (s, 6H); −0.23 (s, 6H). ¹³C NNR (CDCl₃, δ): 164.87; 144.49; 137.53; 125.13; 122.86; 121.38; 118.84; 104.26; 43.15; 33.76; 25.19; 20.17; 20.08; 18.54; 18.45; −2.30; −2.75; −6.73. The oily residue was washed with cold MeOH (3×100 mL) and dried in vacuo to yield 14.02 g (35.8%) of the fairly pure meso diastereomer as a red oil (total yield 65.5%).

EXAMPLE 15

[Bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)bisbenz[e,g]indenyl)]zirconium dichloride

To a solution of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)bisbenz[e,g]indenene (6.83 g, 19.7 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (7.9 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 19.7 mmol) at −20° C. The resulting red solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and added via cannula to a solution of ZrCl₄ (2.24 g, 9.6 mmol) in THF (50 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 20 h. Evaporation of the THF left a solid that was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and filtrated through celite to remove lithium chloride. Evaporation of the CH₂Cl₂ left a red oily solid which was washed with Et₂O (2×50 mL) to leave 2.97 g (34.0%/o) of the title compound as a pale green powder. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound parent ions of composition C₄₆H₅₀Si₂O₂ZrCl₂ ⁺ were observed in the appropriate isotope ratios at m/e=850-859. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 8.45 (m, 4H); 7.66 (m, 4H); 7.50-7.41 (m, 8H); 6.24 (s, 4H); 1.08 (s, 18H); 0.34 (s,12H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 153.11; 129.88; 129.02; 128.2 1; 128.13; 126.95; 126.82; 124.25; 123.37; 118.32; 97.22; 25.80; 18.48; −4.12.

EXAMPLE 16

rac-[ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride

To an ice-cooled solution of bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane (5.37 g, 10.3 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (8.3 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexanes, 20.7 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resultant off-yellow suspension was then added via cannula to a suspension of ZrCl₄ (2.41 g, 10.3 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at −80° C. The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Evaporation of the solvents left a yellow solid that was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) and filtrated through celite to remove lithium chloride. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 1.47 g (21.0%) of the title compound as a yellow microcrystalline solid. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound parent ions of composition C₃₂H₄₄Si₂O₂ZrCl₂ ⁺ were observed in the appropriate isotope ratios at m/e=676-684. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 7.64 (dq, J=8.6 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 0.9 Hz, 2H); 7.31-7.27 (m, 4H); 7.07-7.03 (m, 2H); 5.93 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 2H); 4.01-3.90 (m, AA′, 2H); 3.58-3.47 (m, BB′, 2H); 1.00 (s, 18H); 0.20 (s, 6H); 0.19 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 150.12; 126.17; 125.14; 124.86; 124.79; 123.35; 116.99; 108.54; 98.61; 26.30; 25.80; 18.61; −3.94; −4.27.

EXAMPLE 17

rac-[Ethylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl]zirconium dichloride

A mixture of rac-[Ethylenebis((2-tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride (1.00 g, 1.47 mmol) and PtO₂ (20 mg) in CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) was hydrogenated at 70 bar in a stirred reactor for 16 h. The light green suspension was filtered through Celite and the solvent evaporated. The residue was dissolved in hexane (50 mL) and cooled to 0° C. to provide 0.80 g (79.2%) of the title compound as a light green microcrystalline solid. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound parent ions of composition C₃₂H₅₂Si₂O₂ZrCl₂ ⁺ were observed at m/e=684-692 in the appropriate isotope ratios. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 5.69 (s, 2H); 3.39-3.29 (m, AA′, 2H); 3.04-2.97 (m, 2H); 2.85-2.77 (m, 2H); 2.73-2.64 (m, BB′, 2H); 2.48-2.34 (m, 4H); 1.90-1.70 (m, 4H); 1.59-1.42 (m, 4H); 0.92 (s, 18H); 0.20 (s, 6H); 0.16 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 142.24; 127.66; 11 7.29; 114.18; 106.45; 25.46; 24.46; 23.80; 22.05; 21.92; 21.75; 18.10; −4.09; −4.65.

EXAMPLE 18

rac-ethylenebis(2-tert-butyldimethylsiloxy-1-indenyl)hafnium dichloride

To a solution of bis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane (10.38 g, 20.0 mmol) in THF (80 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (16.1 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 40.2 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the resulting off-white powder was mixed with HfCl₄ (6.41 g, 20.0 mmol). The mixture was cooled to −80° C. and precooled CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) was added. The light yellow suspension was gradually warmed to room temperature, stirred overnight and filtrated through celite to remove lithium chloride. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 1.96 g (12.8%) of the title compound as a light yellow microcrystalline solid. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound, parent ions of composition C₃₂H₄₄Si₂O₂HfCl₂ ⁺ were observed in the appropriate isotope ratios at m/e=760-774. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 7.64 (dq, J=8.5 Hz, 1.8 Hz, 1.0 Hz, 2H); 7.34-7.25 (m, 4H); 7.05-7.01 (m, 2H); 5.86 (d, ⁴J=0.7 Hz, 2H); 4.02-3.92 (AA′, 2H); 3.71-3.61 (BB′, 2H); 1.02 (s, 18H); 0.22 (s, 6H); 0.21 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 148.64; 126.19; 124.97; 124.35; 124.30; 123.49; 115.47; 105.37; 96.46; 25.84; 25.52; 18.62; −3.92; −4.26.

EXAMPLE 19

rac-[Ethylenebis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichloride

To an ice-cooled solution of bis(2-(t-hexyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)ethane (11.50 g, 20.0 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (16.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 40.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resultant off-yellow suspension was then added via cannula to a suspension of ZrCl₄ (4.66 g, 20.0 mmol) in THF (25 mL) at −80° C. The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Evaporation of the solvents left a yellow solid that was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) and filtrated through Celite to remove lithium chloride. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 3.25 g (22.1%) of the title compound as a yellow microcrystalline solid. Single crystals for X-ray diffraction were obtained from a saturated toluene solution at ambient temperature. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound parent ions of composition C₃₆H₅₂Si₂O₂ZrCl₂ ⁺ were observed in the appropriate isotope ratios at m/e=732-740. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 7.66 (dq, J=8.6 Hz, 1.8 Hz, 1.0 Hz, 2H); 7.35-7.29 (m, 4H); 7.08-7.04 (m, 2H); 5.95 (d, ⁴J=0.6 Hz, 2H); 4.04-3.94 (m, AA′, 2H); 3.56-3.46 (m, BB′, 2H); 1.74 (sept. ³J=6.8 Hz, 2H); 0.99 (s, 6H); 0.97 (s, 6H); 0.95 (d, ³J=6.8 Hz, 6H); 0.94 (d, ³J=6.8 Hz, 6H); 0.26 (s, 6H); 0.25 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ): 150.48; 126.13; 125.18; 125.10; 124.85; 123.32; 116.94; 98.53; 34.22; 26.41; 25.84; 20.35; 20.14; 18.80; 18.64; −1.62; −2.01.

EXAMPLE 20

rac- and meso-[dimethylsilylenebis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)]zirconium dichlorides

To a solution of dimethylbis(2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)indenyl)silane (10.98 g, 20.0 mmol) in Et₂O (40 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise n-BuLi (16.0 mL of a 2.5 M solution in hexane, 40.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvents were removed in vacuo to leave an off-white powder that was mixed with ZrCl₄ (4.66 g, 20 mmol). The mixture was cooled to −80° C. and precooled CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) was added. The light yellow suspension was gradually warmed to room temperature, stirred overnight and filtrated through celite to remove lithium chloride. Concentration and cooling to −30° C. gave 7.95 g (56.0%) of an approximately 2:1 rac/meso mixture of the fairly pure title compound as a bright yellow powder. In the EIMS mass spectrum of the title compound, parent ions of composition C₃₂H₄₆Si₃O₂ZrCl₂ ⁺ were observed in the appropriate isotope ratios at m/e=706-714. Small amounts of the fairly pure rac diastereomer of the title compound were obtained by carrying out the reaction in THF solution, followed by removal of LiCl and crystallization from Et₂O. 1H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ, rac): 7.47-7.44 (m, 2H); 7.37-7.27 (m, 4H); 6.91-6.87 (m, 2H); 6.22 (d, ⁴J=0.8 Hz, 2H); 1.19 (s,6H); 0.92 (s, 18H); 0.27 (s, 6H); 0.21 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, δ, rac): 155.89; 128.69; 127.13; 126.84; 125.07; 124.94; 119.69; 104.50; 73.22; 26.12; 19.23; 1.04; −3.36; −3.87.

Polymerization Tests EXAMPLE 21

The polymerizations were performed in a 0.5 L Büchi glass autoclave in 200 mL of toluene. In a typical run half of the MAO/toluene solution was added to the reactor and stirred for 5 minutes in order to reduce any impurities in the reactor. In a parallel procedure 10-15 μmmol of the metallocene was dissolved in the remaining half of the MAO/toluene solution and preactivated at 25° C. for 5 min. The catalyst/activator mixture was charged into the reactor and the polymerization was started by introducing the olefin monomer. The polymerization was interrupted after 20 or 60 minutes by addition of ethanol or methanol. The polymer was analyzed after being washed with ethanol/HCl or methanol/HCl.

Methylaluminoxane (MAO) was used as 29.3 w-% toluene solution (Al total 13.1% w/w, Al as TMA 3.50% w/w). High purity ethylene and propylene (99,5%) were used as monomers.

The results are presented in the Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Polymn. Pressure Activity Mw/ Cat. ex. Temperature bar Al:Zr kgPP/mol Mw Mn 1 *) 0 1.30 3000:1 500 33100 1.9 1 20 2.00 3000:1 5300 19000 2.4 1 40 2.70 3000:1 9000 9200 2.7 1 60 3.40 3000:1 7000 7000 2.9 1 80 4.10 3000:1 3500 3400 2.6 1 40 2.70  50:1 200 27700 1.8 1 40 2.70  250:1 8500 17700 2.1 1 40 2.70  500:1 9900 15900 2.2 1 40 2.70 1000:1 9400 13500 2.4 1 40 2.70 10000:1  10200 4600 2.3 2 **) 20 2.00 3000:1 20 123000 2.1 2 40 2.70 3000:1 150 37800 1.8 2 60 3.40 3000:1 500 12600 1.8 *) 1 means the catalyst rac.-[Et-(2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind)]₂ZrCl₂ **) 2 means the catalyst rac.-[Et-(2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind)₄]₂ZrCl₂

EXAMPLE 22

Propylene was polymerized according to Example 21. The conditions and results are presented in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Activity kgPP/mol Mw Mw/ T_(m) Metallocene Zr/h) g(mol) Mn ° C. rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂ 5300 19900 2.4 148 rac-Et[t-hexylMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂ 2700 16100 2.1 146 rac-Me₂Si(IndH₄)₂ZrCl₂ 2300 53200 2.0 146 rac-Et(IndH₄)₂ZrCl₂ 800 33000 2.0 138

T_(pol)=20° C.; p=2.0 bar, polymerization time=60 min; Al:Zr=3000:1

EXAMPLE 23

The polymerizations with the [metallocene]⁺[B(C₆F₆)₄]⁻ catalyst system were carried out at −20° C. and 2.0 bar propylene pressure using triethylalumina (TEA) as impurity scavenger. In a typical run 0.3 g of TEA was stirred with 50 mL of toluene followed by the addition of 5 μmol of the metallocene. The cation forming agent (14 μmol) was added via a syringe. The polymerization was interrupted after 60 min by addition of ethanol or methanol. The polymer was analyzed after being washed with ethanol/HCl or methanol/HCl.

The conditions and results are presented in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Activity Metallocene kg PP/mol M/h [mm] (%) [mmmm] (%) [rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrMe]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 7500 96.0 95.3 [rac-Et(Ind)₂ZrMe]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 4600 94.9 93.7 [rac-Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrMe]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ 4600 95.7 94.9

Temperature=−20° C.; Polymerization time=20 min

EXAMPLE 24

Ethylene was polymerized as above. The results are presented in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Ethylene polymerization with Et[IndOSiMe₂tBu]₂ZrCl₂/MAO and Me₂Si[IndH₄]₂ZrCl₂/MAO /(reference) catalyst systems in toluene (Al:Zr = 3000:1; monomer pressure = 2 bars) Activity k.g PE mol Tp M_(w)/ T_(m) Cryst. Run Catalyst Zr/h ° C. M_(w) M_(n) ° C. % 1 Et[IndOSiMe₂tBu]₂ZrCl₂ 6900 80 14700 3.8 126 65 2 Me₂Si[IndH₄]₂ZrCl₂ 6400 80 55800 2,0 134 69

EXAMPLE 25

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=200, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 2.5 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 120 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 526 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

EXAMPLE 26

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=200, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 1.25 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 103 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 903 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

EXAMPLE 27

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=100, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.63 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 96 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 1670 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

EXAMPLE 28

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=100, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.6 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 12 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 435 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

EXAMPLE 29

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=200, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.6 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 27 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 936 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

EXAMPLE 30

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of ÅBO3 (rac-Et[2-(t-BuMe₂SiO)Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=500, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.6 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the over-pressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 73 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 2534 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

Comparative Example 1

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of TA2677 (Et[1-Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=100, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.65 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the overpressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 9 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 151 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

Comparative Example 2

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of TA2677 (Et[1-Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=200, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.65 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the overpressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 27 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 455 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

Comparative Example 3

The polymerizations were performed in a 2.0 L Büchi autoclave in 1300 mL of pentane. A complex solution of TA2677 (Et[1-Ind]₂ZrCl₂) and MAO in toluene, having Al/Zr=500, was introduced into the reactor. The amount of metallocene was 0.65 μmol. After the feeding of the catalyst complex solution, the polymerization reactor was heated to 70° C., polymerization temperature. At the beginning of the reaction, 5 bar of ethylene partial pressure was introduced into the polymerization reactor and the reaction was started. After 30 min of polymerization, the reaction was stopped by closing the ethylene valve and releasing the overpressure from the reactor.

After 30 min of polymerization, the yield of polymer was 25 g polymer, giving a catalyst activity of 421 kgHD-PE/g.Zr.h.

Explanations of Chemicals Used in Experiments

MAO: methylalumoxane 30 w-% solution in toluene, produced by Albemarle

Pentane: polymerization grade ultra pure pentane, H₂O and O₂<<1.0 ppm

Ethylene: polymerization grade, H₂O and O₂<<1.0 ppm

The polymerizations 28-30 were compared to the prior art comparative polymerizations 1-3. The results are presented in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Comparison of ÅBO3 and TA2677 Compound ÅBO3 TA2677 Concentration 0.6 0.65 Al/Zr (mol/mol) 100 200 500 100 200 500 Medium Pentane Ethylene 5 bar Temp. ° C. 70 Yield (g) 12 27 73 9 27 25 Activity kgHD- 435 936 2534 151 455 521 PE/g · cat · h Mw 205000 114000 101000 128000 124000 D 4.0 2.8 2.9 3.4 2.8

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a comparison of the effect of siloxysubstitution on the activity of the metal centre

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Examples 25 to 27 describe the influence of metallocene concentration on the polymerization. By using too high concentration the metal activity becomes too low. From these examples it can be seen that the metal activity is increased when the amount of the catalyst is decreased from 2.5 μmol down to 0.6 μmol.

Examples 28-30 and comparative examples 1-3 shows the importance of a 2-siloxy substituent on catalyst activity. When ethylenebis indenyl zirconium dichloride has a siloxy substituent the catalyst activity is increased especially with low Al/Zr-ratios indicating easy complex formation between metallocene and MAO and also increased activity of the zirconium. The difference can be seen best in FIG. 1 above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A precursor for an olefin polymerization catalyst having improved activitvy having the formula (I): (IndY)_(m)MR_(n)B_(o)  (I) wherein: each IndY is the same or different and is one of a mono- or polysubstituted, fused or non-fused, homo- or heterocyclic indenyl ligand, dihydroindenyl ligand or tetrahydroindenyl ligand, which ligand is substituted at the 2-position of its indenyl structure by the group Y, which group Y has the following structure (II):

wherein D is one of silicon or germanium, R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, or at least two of R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; M is a transition metal of group 4 of the Periodic Table and is bound to the ligand IndY in at least an θ₅ bonding mode; each R is the same or different and is one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, a tri-hydrocarbyl silyl group or two R form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands or between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M; m is 1 or 2; o is 0 or 1; and n is 4−m when there is no bridge or B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands, or n is 4−m−o when B is a bridge atom or group between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M.
 2. A catalyst precursor having a formula (III):

where M is a metal selected from zirconium, titanium or hafnium, D is an element selected from silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge), B is a bridge comprising at least one of —(CH₂)_(n), —Si(R³)₂— or —Ge(R³)₂—, wherein n=1-8, R¹ and R² are the same or different groups selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy group, C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy group, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl group, C₇-C₁₀ arylalkyl group, C₇-C₁₀ alkylaryl group, C₈-C₄₀ aryalkenyl group or a halogen atom, R^(3′), R³-R⁶ are the same or different group selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy group, C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy group, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl group, C₇-C₂₂ arylalkyl group, C₇-C₂₂ alkylaryl group, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl group and a halogen atom, R^(3′) and R³-groups can also be connected to each other to form a ring structure and R⁴ may also be a ring structure.
 3. A catalyst precursor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that M is zirconium and D is silicon.
 4. A catalyst precursor according to claim 2, characterized in that R¹ and R² are the same.
 5. A catalyst precursor of claim 1, characterized in that R^(3′) and or R³ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or aryl group and R⁴ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or aryl group.
 6. A catalyst precursor according to claim 2, characterized in that D is Si, B is —CH₂CH₂—, R=R¹=R² and is chlorine, R³ is CH₃ and R⁵-R⁶ is aromatic or aromatic or alkyl or hydrogen.
 7. A metallocene catalyst system for polymerization of olefins comprising a precusor having the formula (I): (IndY)_(m)Mr_(n)B_(o)  (I) wherein: each IndY is the same or different and is one of a mono- or polysubstituted, fused or non-fused, homo- or heterocyclic indenyl ligand, dihydroindenyl ligand or tetrahydroindenyl ligand, which ligand is substituted at the 2-position of its indenyl structure by the group Y, which group Y has the following structure (II):

wherein D is one of silicon or germanium, R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ are the same or different and are one of a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, or at least two of R³, R^(3′) and R⁴ form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; M is a transition metal of group 4 of the Periodic Table and is bound to the ligand IndY in at least an η₅ bonding mode; each R is the same or different and is one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbyloxy group, a tri-hydrocarbyl silyl group or two R form together a C₂-C₂₀ ring structure; B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands or between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M; m is 1 or 2; o is 0 or 1; and n is 4−m when there is no bridge or B is a bridge atom or group between two IndY ligands, or n is 4−m−o when B is a bridge atom or group between one IndY ligand and the transition metal M, and a cocatalyst, wherein said cocatalyst is methylalumoxane (MAO).
 8. The precursor for an olefin polymerization catalyst having improved activity of claim 1, wherein D is germanium.
 9. A catalyst precursor according to claim 4 characterized in that R¹ and R² are halogen atoms.
 10. A catalyst precursor according to claim 9 characterized in that R¹ and R² are chlorine atoms.
 11. A catalyst precursor according to claim 5 characterized in that R^(3′) and R³ are methyl groups.
 12. A catalyst precursor according to claim 5 characterized in that R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of a tert-butyl group, a tert-hexyl group, and a cyclohexyl group. 